Bankim G. Dhanak

Bankim Govind Dhanak, age 78, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born on October 5, 1947, in Mumbai, India, to Govind “Bapuji” Dhanak and Manhar “Baji” Dhanak. Bankim was the youngest of three children, growing up alongside his older brother, Bhaskar, and sister, Ela. He grew up near the Godavari River in Nashik, Maharashtra, later spending time in Mumbai before his family moved to Ahmedabad in 1960.

In 1972, he met the love of his life, Kalpana (Vani) Dhanak, at a mutual friend’s party. The timing, however, was not quite right, as Bankim soon left for the United States to pursue his master’s degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. Though separated by an ocean, Kalpana and Bankim stayed in touch through letters, and Bankim ultimately returned to Ahmedabad, where they married in 1977. Together, they embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States, where they built a home, a family and a life.

In the early years of their marriage, Bankim and Kalpana lived in several cities, including Manhattan, where their beloved daughter, Neesha, was born. They eventually settled in Onalaska, Wisconsin, which they would call home for nearly 30 years. Bankim built a career in chemical and environmental engineering, working in La Crosse, Wisconsin, before eventually owning and operating his own fluid-balancing company. Over the years, he also became an active and generous member of his community, volunteering his time with organizations including the American Red Cross, the YMCA, and Rotary International.

In 2012, Bankim and Kalpana moved permanently to Chandler, Arizona. Bankim had a remarkable ability to make a house a home wherever they lived, including the second home in St. Louis, Missouri, that they purchased in 2019 to be closer to Neesha and her family.

Bankim had an incredibly welcoming nature. He was charming, generous, and genuinely interested in the people around him. His heart was enormous, his laughter contagious, and he freely gave himself, his time, and his affection. He had a rare gift for making people feel cared for, and it was difficult not to love him almost instantly. “I love you, man” was a phrase he often used, and somehow it captured so much of who he was: warm, affectionate, genuine, and completely himself.

Bankim’s affection for people was only one expression of the enthusiasm with which he approached life. Bankim loved golf with a passion that was impossible to miss. If he wasn't playing 18 holes, he was at the driving range. He truly seemed to live on the golf course, and he certainly dressed the part: a driver's cap, and later a ball cap, became his signature look. Yet it was not his hat or his stylish, sophisticated appearance that people remembered most; it was the sparkle in his eye, his ever-present thumbs-up, and his contagious smile. Golf became a family tradition as he passed his love of the game to many of his relatives, including his son-in-law and grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent sharing the game he loved with the people he loved most.

He was also a wine lover and a true foodie, always eager to try something new and, just as importantly, eager to feed the people around him. Sharing food, wine, laughter, and conversation was simply another way Bankim expressed his love for others. Later in life, bridge became another favorite pastime and another way for him to connect with people. He devoted countless hours to the game, enjoying both the challenge of playing and the friendships and camaraderie that came with it.

But for all the things that brought Bankim joy, nothing mattered more to him than his family.

Bankim is survived by his wife, Kalpana (Vani) Dhanak; his daughter, Neesha Dhanak Buchmann; his son-in-law, Robert Peter Arias Buchmann; and his grandchildren, Kaia and Arian.

To Kalpana, he was her devoted partner in crime through nearly five decades of marriage, always attentive to her needs and deeply invested in her happiness and well-being. He cared for her with a tenderness that was evident in the countless small ways he looked after her each day. His devotion to her was woven into the fabric of their life together.

To Neesha, he was the person who shared in her accomplishments, encouraged her adventures, ran beside her whether it was a sprint or a marathon, and filled her life with memories that will remain forever.

To Kaia and Arian, he was their “Baba,” sharing with them his love of golf, his zest for life, and the joy of simply being together. The memories they made with him will be treasured for the rest of their lives.

Bankim lived fully, with boundless enthusiasm, generosity and love. His presence lives on in Kalpana; Neesha and Robert; Kaia and Arian; and in all his extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

He was deeply loved. He gave so much love in return. And he will forever be a part of the people and family he loved so dearly.

Services

A viewing and cremation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. Services will begin at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank in Bankim’s memory, a fitting tribute to someone who found so much joy in feeding and caring for others. During the donation process, those wishing to notify the family of their gift may select the option to send a notification to [email protected].